Challenges to neurosurgical professionalism

At present, neurosurgical practice is confronted by an explosion of technology. Rapid advances in neurosurgical knowledge and technology are putting increased pressure on neurosurgeons to process huge quantities of information, with requirements for continuous learning and updating scientific knowledge and skills which are time consuming but essential. Changes to the venerated status quo of neurosurgical practice have created an environment that may have a negative impact upon neurosurgical professional behavior. As a result, neurosurgeons may find it increasingly difficult to meet their moral and ethical responsibilities to patients, trainees and colleagues, and society. In these circumstances, reaffirming the fundamental and universal principles and values of neurosurgical professionalism, which remain the ideals to be pursued by all neurosurgeons, becomes all the more important. © 2010 Elsevier B.V